With no backup QB, the Denver Broncos eyed what they deemed an upgrade and pounced on the former Auburn Tiger signal caller Jarrett Stidham.
The Denver Broncos have made a huge addition to their roster by signing quarterback Jarrett Stidham to a 2-yr $10 MM deal. Stidham, who was a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, spent his first two seasons with the New England Patriots.
Stidham played in 8 games for the Patriots, starting in none. In those games, he completed 24 of his 48 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions. He was able to double up or more, almost all of those numbers in just two games and two starts for the 2022 Las Vegas Raiders completing 53 of his 83 passe for 656 yards 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
The Broncos have been looking for a new backup quarterback since the backup for the last three years Brett Rypien is currently a free agent. General Manager George Paton was impressed with Stidham’s work ethic, his arm strength, and his ability to make quick decisions on the field.
As stated above, Stidham was thrust into a bad situation in Las Vegas starting the final two games of the season for a Raiders team in the throes of an organizational overhaul both on and off the field. He opened many eyes around the league by going from 13 total attempts in the first 15 weeks of the season, and none since week 7 to throw for 365 yards/3 TDs, but with two interceptions in a loss to San Francisco who would go on to play for the NFC Championship behind the best defense in the league.
Embed from Getty ImagesFormer Head Coach in Las Vegas and offensive coordinator in New England Josh McDaniels has spoken highly of Stidham’s potential, citing his natural throwing motion and his ability to read defenses. It’s why McDaniels brought Stidham with him to the desert after Stidham spent the 2021 season on the PUP list and bench in New England.
Stidham will now sit behind star QB Russell Wilson on the depth chart and learn from one of the best. The Broncos are hoping that Stidham will continue to develop and become a long-term solution at the backup quarterback position in the ilk of former steady back-ups at Dove Valley in Bubby Brister and Gary Kubiak.
Many fans are intrigued by the signing and are looking forward to seeing Stidham in action under the tutelage of Sean Payton. He has never had a season in College or the NFL where he had more than 1 start that he didn’t finish with at least a 60% completion rate. It will be interesting to see how he performs in training camp and how he fits in with the Broncos’ offensive system.
You can hear Stidham tell Sydney Jones of Denverbroncos.com why he chose Denver below:
Despite some wanting to point out that most teams have QB’s with similar skill sets such as Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley in Baltimore. Or Mac Jones and Jarrett Stidham in New England. Although they are correct in saying these are about as polar opposite QB’s as you can see below with their RAS scores courtesy of @Mathbomb:
As you can see, Wilson was rated as an elite athlete while Stidham was just okay. This would typically be weird, but only if you don’t take into account Sean Payton has effectively created an offense for the likes of Drew Brees (HoFer), Jameis Winston (#1 Overall Bust), and Teddy Bridgewater (First-Round Injury Devastated Flameout). The only thing these players have in common is a winning percentage over 60%.
Overall, this is a good move by the Broncos to shore up a highly underrated position for every team. He is not flashy like Mike McGlinchey or Ben Powers, but is another under the radar move like Chris Manhertz that makes a winning culture work. And we wish number 53 on the roster the same success as number 1 at a mile high.
We are affiliated with some companies/links on this page and may receive a commission if you make a purchase through them. Prices are subject to change. Consider supporting the dream!